VERSES Written under the portrait of Fergusson, the poet, in a copy of the Author's works presented to a young lady in Edinburgh, March 19, 1787. CURSE on ungrateful man, that can be pleased, THE HENPECKED HUSBAND. CURSED be the man, the poorest wretch in life, 1 LINES ON AN INTERVIEW WITH LORD DAER. THIS Wot ye all whom it concerns, A October twenty-third, Sae far I sprachled' up the brae," I've been at drunken writers' feasts, 1 Crawled, or clambered on the hands and knees.-2 Hill, I've even join'd the honor'd jorum, But wi' a Lord-stand out my shin, Up higher yet, my bonnet; But oh for Hogarth's magic power! To meet good Stuart little pain is, But Burns, my Lord-Guid God! I doited," I sidling shelter'd in a nook, I watch'd the symptoms of the great, The fient a pride, nae pride had he, Thirst.-2 Slacken, or quench.- i. e. he was six feet high.-4 Bashful look.-5 Going, or walking.- A kind of wooden curb for horses.-7 Was stupified.- Knocked together.- Went into the parlor. Then from his Lordship I shall learn, Nae honest, worthy man need care, A PRAYER. Left in a room of a reverend friend'sı house, where the Author slept. О THOU, dread Power who reign'st above! I know thou wilt me hear; When for this scene of peace and love, The hoary sire-the mortal stroke, To bless his little filial flock, And show what good men are. She, who her lovely offspring eyes Their hope, their stay, their darling youth, 1 Dr. Laurie, minister of Loudoun, from whom the poet received many essential favors, one of which, and none of the least, will be best explained in his own words:-"I had taken the last farewell of my few friends-my chest was on the road to Greenock, from whence I was to embark in a few days for America. I had composed the last song I should ever measure in Caledonia, 'The gloomy night is gathering fast,' when a letter from Dr. Blacklock, to a friend of mine (Dr. Laurie, who had sent to Dr. Blacklock a copy of our Poet's works), overthrew all my schemes, by opening new prospects to my poetic ambition. The doctor belonged to a set of critics for whose applause I had not dared to hope. His opinion that I would meet with encouragement in Edinburgh for a second edition, fired me so much, that away I posted for that city, without a single acquaintance, or a single letter of introduction. The baneful star that had so long shed its blasting influence in my zenith, for once made a revolution to the nadir; and a kind Providence placed me under the patronage of one of the noblest of men, the Earl of Glencairn." Bless him, thou God of love and truth, The beauteous seraph sister-band, Thou know'st the snares on every hand, When soon or late they reach that coast, A PRAYER, UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VIOLENT ANGUISH. O THOU, great Being! what thou art Yet sure I am, that known to Thee Thy creature here before Thee stands, Yet sure those ills that wring my soul Sure Thou, Almighty, canst not act Oh, free my weary eyes from tears! But if I must afflicted be, To suit some wise design; Then man my soul with firm resolves A PRAYER, IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH. O THOU, unknown, Almighty cause In whose dread presence, ere an hour If I have wander'd in those paths Of life I ought to shun; As something, loudly, in my breast Thou know'st that Thou hast forméd me Where human weakness has come short, Do Thou, All-Good! for such Thou art, Where with intention I have err'd, But, Thou art good; and goodness still STANZAS ON THE SAME OCCASION. WHY am I loth to leave this earthly scene? Or death's unlovely, dreary, dark abode? Fain would I say, Forgive my foul offence! Who sin so oft have mourn'd, yet to temptation ran? |